7 ways I stay motivated to workout.

The biggest challenge I faced during my weight loss journey was the mental game of it. It was easy for me to get back into the gym the very day my doctor cleared me because I lived in the gym before I got pregnant. I worked out 3 days a week up until I was 6 months pregnant. I had some pelvis issues so the doctor told me I couldn't workout anymore or I'd risk having my pelvis break in half during child birth... so I didn't push it. I used working out as a way to release any emotions I had building up, so the last few months of being pregnant were a roller coaster of emotions. Especially since I gained a total of 50 lbs... how in the heck was I going to get rid of this weight? I didn't understand how I followed all of the rules when you get pregnant in order to have an easier pregnancy like eating healthy and working out ... but then was told "great job, but take it easy".

6 weeks out to 6 months out!

So anyway, the rule is 6 weeks after having a baby, you should be cleared to normal activities. And you better believe the day Parker was 6 weeks old, I was out in my grandparents barn walking on their treadmill. I was determined, focused, and craving to get a workout in. After I walked on that treadmill for about 10 minutes, my pelvis started hurting again, I was out of breath, and I was sweating like a cow. I got off the treadmill and was so disappointed in myself. *Que Drama Queen Madison* I seriously thought my pelvis would hurt for the rest of my life and it would be that hard to workout every time I tried. I called my mom so upset and all she said was "Madison, you literally pushed out a baby 6 weeks ago..." That was enough to snap me back into reality. I should be praising God that I was able to walk 10 minutes on the treadmill because just a few weeks back, it was hard to even get up and walk!

1 week PP vs. 4 weeks PP - This is just from breast feeding and starving myself because I was a new mom and didn't know when to eat.

As the days went on, it got easier and easier but only because I didn't quit. Yes, it hurt sometimes, and every workout session kicked my butt but I knew if I quit, I wouldn't reach my goals. That was the personal trainer in me. Of course workouts suck when you're out of shape, it's not supposed to be easy or fun but I knew it was helping me love myself again. To keep myself going, I had to remember to celebrate the *small* victories. When I say small victories, I mean "holy cow I just did 5 push-ups and I could only do 2 last week" or "I can't believe I just made it through a 30 minute workout without stopping". The small victories are the ones that keep you going and focused. You can see yourself getting better each week. Celebrate those *small* victories with no shame because you are better than yesterday and that's worth celebrating!

Y'all, when you have a baby, I don't care what anyone says, you look at your body in that mirror and you think "what did this baby do to me!" This doesn't come from a place of hate or disgust because you just carried a human inside your body which is awesome but you seriously don't even recognize your body. Yes, some people think it's beautiful and all that good stuff and it is a beautiful thing but that first look at yourself after you push that baby out is harsh.

Here is a timeline of 2 months postpartum to 5 months postpartum - I was working out regularly and hit my goal weight at 5 months! You can see how my confidence grew with each picture!

I'm not writing this blog to pressure new moms into getting back in the gym as soon as they can or to make anyone feel bad for themselves. Everyone does what they want at their own pace. I was lucky enough that I wanted to workout asap but if you want to take months off and just enjoy having that baby, then do that. I just want moms to know that just because you had a baby doesn't mean you have to live with a body that shows it for the rest of your life. You can get that hot bod back and be a hot mom!!!

The biggest reason why people fail when starting a weight loss journey is because they weren't ready in the first place. If you are not mentally ready to take on a long, hard but rewarding process then do not start. Write down your goals, look at them everyday, and when you have that little voice inside you telling you you're ready, start right then! Do not wait!

Becoming mentally ready to face those workouts is tough but when you start seeing that change in your body it becomes SO rewarding and it begins to change your mindset. It took me 5 months to get my body back to my college weight. You guys, 5 months is not normal but when I say I was determined... I was not freaking giving up on myself and that was that. I had days and even weeks when I decided I just didn't want to workout. And guess what, I didn't feel bad about it. I listened to my body, I gave my body rest when it begged for rest, and I also fed my body the way it wanted to be fed.

You can workout all day everyday but if you aren't changing your diet, you will only maintain, not lose. Maintaining is all good and well but if you have serious goals, you have to look at what you're eating. The food talk is for a different day because that deserves a whole blog to itself.

Here are my top 7 ways I motivate myself:

1. Write down your goals and read them everyday.

2. Find yourself a workout partner - even if it's not someone you necessarily workout with when you get to the gym.

3. Plan your workout before you even get in your car to go to the gym.

4. Stop Googling - 30 minutes of a high intensity workout 3 days a week and eat healthy ... like a normal healthy not a Keto healthy and don't hate yourself for eating that cookie!

5. If you hate a certain exercise... don't do it! I hate planks, so do you think I add planks into my workouts... uh, NO there are plenty exercises I can substitute for planks

6. Get yourself an apple watch or a Fitbit - fitness trackers will keep you in check.

7. BELIEVE that it is possible for you to reach your goals!

Did you just hear that voice in your head telling you that you're ready? If so, START RIGHT NOW!

Check out my Health & Fitness page for recipes, workouts and tips!

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